Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the state to hit the slopes. In the summer, hikers and mountain bikers take to the trails. And all year round, paragliders enjoy some of the best flying conditions in the country. Thanks to Oregon’s varied terrain and consistent winds, the state is home to several world-class paragliding sites.
If you’re new to paragliding, consider taking a tandem flight or paragliding lesson with an experienced instructor.
In addition, research The Desert Air Riders club. They are experts on paragliding locations in Central Oregon and can tell you about safe landing areas. In this article, we will provide you
Best Spots for Paragliding in Oregon
Among nature enthusiasts, Oregon is well-renowned for its picturesque landscape and excellent paragliding conditions. If you’re seeking the top paragliding sites in Oregon, look no further! Here are our top attractions:
Pine Ridge
Pine Ridge is an awesome spot for paragliding in Central Oregon! The 1-mile-long crooked ridgeline is only accessible through the Crooked River National Grasslands, making it a great place to experience some serious northwest winds. However, shorter flights can be taken when the wind comes from either the east or west. This flying site also has milder spring and fall thermals, plus more powerful summer thermals – making it the perfect spot for any level of the glider! And if you’re feeling really adventurous, there are even walk-up launches available.
Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain is a great place to fly all year round, but caution must be taken when flying during summer due to the desert thermal conditions. The best way to take advantage of the thermals is to fly around the mountain in a clockwise direction. This will ensure that you are always in the updrafts and avoid any downdrafts. Additionally, it is important to be aware of other air traffic and stay clear of any areas where there may be conflict. Please be mindful that Pine Mountain consists of both public and private property, so please respect the rules of each landowner where applicable.
Haystack Butte
Haystack is a great place to paraglide, especially for beginners. The Butte is located in Central Oregon and provides paragliders with wide-open spaces and gentle thermals. There are several launch sites that paragliders can take advantage of, but the most popular is the South Launch. This launch site provides paragliders with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains as well as the Three Sisters Peaks. The South Launch is also a great place for paragliding lessons because it is not as crowded as some of the other launch sites in Oregon.
Hood River
Hood River is a popular destination for paragliding in Oregon. The town is located in the Columbia River Gorge and provides paragliders with beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains. When you go paragliding in Hood River, you can ride the thermals that lift eagles and surf the invisible “East Ridge” wave and the Mt Hood jet-stream wave. The best time to fly is from late spring through early fall when the temperatures are warm and the winds are stable. There are several launch sites near Hood River, so you can find one that suits your level of experience.
Harris Beach State Park
Harris Beach is another great spot for paragliding in Oregon. The park is located on the southern Oregon coast and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Harris Beach is a popular destination for paragliders because it has both cliffs and dunes that you can launch from. The best time to fly at Harris Beach is from late spring through early fall when the winds are stable.
Tillamook Head
Tillamook Head is a great spot for paragliding in Oregon if you’re looking for an adventure. The headland is located just outside of Cannon Beach and offers dramatic views of the coastline. To paraglide at Tillamook Head, you’ll need to hike about a mile to the launch site. The best time to fly here is from late spring through early fall when the winds are stable.
Soar over Oregon’s stunning landscapes with tandem paragliding or take lessons and fly solo!
Yaquina Head
Yaquina Head is a beautiful spot for paragliding in Oregon. The views are incredible, and there’s nothing quite like soaring through the air with the wind in your hair. The best time to go paragliding at Yaquina Head is in the summer months, when the weather is warm and stable. However, even in the off-season, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Just be sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes! If you’re new to paragliding, there are plenty of experienced instructors at Yaquina Head who can help you get started.
Hagelstein (Upper Klamath Lake)
If you’re looking for a breathtaking paragliding experience in Oregon, look no further than Hagelstein. With its stunning views of Upper Klamath Lake and the surrounding mountains, Hagelstein is one of the best spots for paragliding in Oregon. The best time to fly at Hagelstein is from late May to early September. Even outside of the peak months, you can still appreciate the stunning scenery and a tranquil mood.
Woodrat Mountain
Woodrat Mountain is an excellent spot for paragliding in Oregon. Located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Woodrat Mountain offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The thermals are strong and reliable, making it a great place to catch a thermal and ride it up. The landing area is large and flat, so you don’t have to worry about landing in a tree or on a rock. Best of all, there are no power lines or other obstacles to worry about. If you’re looking for a great place to paraglide in Oregon, Woodrat Mountain is the perfect spot.
Peterson Butte
One of the best spots in the state for this exhilarating activity is Peterson Butte. Located in the Deschutes National Forest, it offers spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains. You will definitely appreciate the winds here – they are strong and steady, perfect for paragliding. And if you’re a beginner, don’t worry – there are plenty of instructors in the area who can help you get started.
Tandem Paragliding & Lessons in Oregon
Looking to add an adrenaline-pumping activity to your Oregon vacation itinerary? Why not try tandem paragliding? Not only is it an amazing way to see the state’s breathtaking natural beauty from a bird’s eye view, but it’s also relatively easy to learn. There are several reputable companies offering tandem paragliding lessons in Oregon, so you can be sure you’re in good hands.
Although it may look daunting, tandem paragliding is actually quite safe. Your experienced instructor will be strapped in front of you, so all you need to do is hold on and enjoy the ride. Most companies require that participants be at least 10 years old and weigh less than 240 pounds. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, tandem paragliding is definitely worth checking out.
Discover Paragliding
Location: Sunset Beach – Warrenton, OR 97146
Phone: 503-440-0733
Web: www.discoverparagliding.com
White Owl Paragliding
Location: White Owl Paragliding, Po Box 1756, Bend OR 97709 USA
Phone: 541-640-0073
Web: www.paraglideoregon.com
MAX ROC PARAGLIDING
Location: 12042 SE Sunnyside Rd #470, Clackamas, OR 97015, United States
Phone: 971-396-9082
Web: www.maxroc.com
The Desert Air Riders
Late spring, summer, and early fall are usually the best times to fly in Oregon, but there are always pilots around, that could share with you their experience and safety tips about Oregon paragliding sights. The Desert Air Riders club in Central Oregon is one of the oldest and most reputable groups in Oregon.
This energetic group of glider pilots is passionate about their sport and loves sharing their knowledge with beginners. The club was founded in the early 1990s, shortly after gliding began in the area, and they have been flying all year round ever since.
The Desert Air Riders is a non-profit paragliding club based in Central Oregon. The club is dedicated to preserving flying sites and improving safety for pilots in the area. The Desert Air Riders is an official chapter of the USHPA (United State Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association) and work closely with the USHPA to promote safe and responsible flying.
The club offers a variety of services to its members, including safety seminars, equipment inspections, and fly-ins. In addition, the Desert Air Riders work to maintain several flying sites in Central Oregon, ensuring that pilots have access to safe and reliable landing areas. If you’re interested in paragliding in Central Oregon, the Desert Air Riders is a great resource.
Desert Air Riders
Email: desertairriders@hotmail.com
Phone: 719-387-4571
Web: desertairriders.org
FAQs about Paragliding in Oregon
Where can I go paragliding in Oregon?
There are several great spots for paragliding in Oregon. Some of our favorites include Pine Ridge, Pine Mountain, and Haystack Butte.
Is paragliding safe in Oregon?
Yes, paragliding is safe in Oregon when practiced according to the guidelines set forth by the USHPA.
Do I need a license to paraglide in Oregon?
No, you do not need a license to paraglide in Oregon. However, we recommend taking a tandem paragliding lesson or two before heading out on your own.
What is the best time of year to paraglide in Oregon?
The best time of year to paraglide in Oregon is during the summer months. The warmer temperatures and longer days make for ideal flying conditions.
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